hello all,
so, i am a 17 year old girl who frequently has panic attacks, and i have been an emetophobe for as long as i can possibly remember. when i get emotional, the panic always settles in my stomach, and i get this sort of gag feeling in the back of my throat, and occasionally i will get n*. i have never v* from a panic attack, and i am very rarely ill (i went for 8 yrs w/o v* once, and i'm currently on a 4yr 2m streak). however, whenever i get n* or feel like r*tching, i'll hurt myself. it's mostly just scratching and pinching, but when i calm down i am covered in marks from the attack. i would much rather hurt my skin and have that than to actually v* or feel n* for any amount of time.
i also have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) to such an extent that i was scoped for ulcers at 13 years old. i take meds for both my gut and anxiety. however, i know it's probably not the wisest idea to harm myself when my emetophobia is flaring up. i remember there was one event where a relative of mine had been drinking too much and v*, and i spent the entire night with my headphones in and crying hysterically, because it really really disturbed me. i know i wasn't going to get sick, but none the less...
so, i think the point of this rambling post would be to get advice on how to stop hurting myself when i have a panic attacks and my stomach hurts. any and all help would be appreciated.
thank you,
lrs